WAITING FOR THE SMELL OF
POWDER—CONFEDERATES BEFORE SHILOH

Some very youthful Louisiana soldiers
waiting for their first taste of battle, a few weeks before Shiloh. These are
members of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans. We see them at Camp
Louisiana proudly wearing their new boots and their uniforms as yet unfaded by
the sun. Louisiana gave liberally of her sons, who distinguished themselves in
the fighting throughout the West. The Fifth Company of the Washington Artillery
took part in the closely contested Battle of Shiloh. The Confederates defeated
Sherman's troops in the early morning, and by night were in possession of all
the Federal camps save one. The Washington Artillery served their guns
handsomely and helped materially in forcing the Federals back to the bank of the
river. The timely arrival of Buell's army the next day at Pittsburg Landing
enabled Grant to recover from the reverses suffered on that bloody "first
day"—Sunday, April 6, 1862.